As the world looks to New Orleans and the highly anticipated big game to end the NFL season, party hosts want to infuse a taste of the Big Easy culture into their food menu. Aaron Sanchez, and his restaurant Johnny Sanchez, has been a fixture in the New Orleans culture. Via his food hub, Cocina, the celebrated chef has shared a NOLA inspired chicken wing recipe that scores with big flavor.
Chicken wings are a staple football food. From the tailgate before the game to the watching party at home, people cannot get enough of the hand held food.
While people can debate the preference of flats over drums, one aspect is agreed to by all. Chicken wings need to be flavorful. It is more than slathering that protein in extreme hot sauce. Balance and creativity will always put one chicken wing recipe over another.
Recently, Aaron Sanchez shared some big game recipes on his website, Cocina. After watching Chef Aaron on food television for decades, people have come to crave his dishes. Whether they are Mexican inspired favorites or a nod to food trends, the talented and thoughtful chef creates delicious and approachable recipes that the home cook can master.
For this year’s big game, Chef Aaron recommends his Zarela’s Pineapple-Ginger Chicken Wings with Soy-Pineapple Glaze. While everyone will need a few extra napkins on hand when enjoying these chicken wings, the big, bold flavor is worth the slight messiness.
Speaking about these chicken wings, Chef Aaron said, "This is one of the first dishes I remember my mom making. The flavors were unforgettable: a touch of sweetness from the pineapple, a kick of spice from the ginger, and just the right amount of saltiness from the soy.”
The whole recipe can be found on Cocina’s website. Although it does have a lot of ingredients, even the novice cook can master this recipe. As long as the ratios in the sauce are correct, the chicken wings will be a flavor bomb.
A couple of notes with this recipe, it is important to watch the half-reserved sauce as it reduces. If it over reduces not only will the viscosity be wrong, the flavors will be scorched.
Also, lining the baking sheet with aluminum foil makes for quick clean up. After enjoying a plate of chicken wings, no one wants to spend the night doing kitchen clean up.
This big game recipe is one of many suggestions that Chef Aaron Sanchez has on this food hub, Cocina. From Banging Baby’s-Got-Back Ribs to Tio Mario’s Famous Chili Con Carne Colorado-Style Burritos, there is a recipe for every craving.